Why is Navratri Celebrated? A Kathasagar Story
Nine nights, nine forms of Durga, and the victory that becomes Dussehra.
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When no god or man could defeat the buffalo demon Mahishasura, the gods combined their powers to create Goddess Durga.
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Navratri means “nine nights.” Each night honours a form of the Navadurga — from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri.
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The battle with Mahishasura is said to have lasted nine days — light against darkness, the goddess equal to the task.
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How the nights look varies: in Gujarat, garba and dandiya fill the dark hours with dance, music, and community.
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On Ashtami or Navami, many homes perform Kanya Puja — welcoming young girls as living forms of the goddess.
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On the tenth day — Vijayadashami, or Dussehra — her victory is celebrated. Nine nights of devotion, then triumph.